When Reality meets Online

Chapter 7: Hidden Near You

Note: I change the title~

Kaneki's POV...

> February 02, 2023 (Floor 8 . Mountain Rift Valley)

In fast haste to get away, topping the fastest speed I could get, I jumped among the tree branches trying to escape from "him".

'From who' are you asking? Kirito. Now how did this happen? Funny you should ask, I absolutely can't remember how I got in this situation yet here's a noteworthy example.

I was on his trail like usual but don't get me wrong. In the first place, I've never even agreed to spy on him but if he does know any information on this death game, then I was ready to gamble on this thread.

Keeping still with stealth and my guard out in order not to get caught but when upon taking a little peek at his training session, I made a little noise. I was so sure he wouldn't be able to hear it but for him to instantly sense that, to my surprise, he was also able to pinpoint my position. Yep, I've taken note of that and before I knew it, he was on my trail, tracking me with every inch of his speed to keep up.

Recounting my blunder, I silently cursed.

This is bad. If he found out I was spying on him, all this effort will be a waste..

Realizing that he also have the map in him my position was a sure occurrence of being exposed. I mentally face palmed myself after that obvious realization.

I then sighed, without any moves of an escape nor any way to hide, there was only one option left..

..guess I got no choice but to use it...

Activating a certain skill, in that split second of getting caught, my whole body magically faded. Camouflaging me completely in my surroundings, almost invisible that Kirito could no longer see me in front of him as I stopped my tracks.

He stopped for a second as my signs of movement were no longer heard. I wondered as I cautiously observed him. He was looking at his right side -looking at the map. Probably trying to figure out where I was. However, in my state, I hoped to end this quickly and quietly.

"..."

Kirito's POV...

"what was that just now?" I muttered out and checked on my map once more. It only left me shocked. That was odd, that red enemy ended up vanishing and out of my radar of sight.

I gulp down hard, fear resurfacing once more as I question this new occurrence.

Was that a bird?

I looked around me in haste. No sign of movements. Not among the bushes nor the trees. I'm starting to think it wasn't a bird I saw. Rather it was something hardcore.

"..."

I felt those gaze. I don't know how I was able to feel it but I guess it's because of my perception skill. It's a good thing I chose to improve this skill.

I took a mindful thought, still in my high alert for any kind of ambush.

That doesn't feel right to call it a bird when it's gliding among the trees. So, what could it be then? Agh enough, I must be hallucinating..

I left out an exasperating sigh, maybe I am becoming delusional. The fact that I've been killing monsters on my own and yes it's suicidal but if I don't do this, I won't level up.

Was I paranoid too?

I guess my brain couldn't take the feeling if I died alone. Speaking about this death game, 200 more players had died. They die in the game, which in the end died in real life. Reducing the amount of hope and instilling fear among us once again.